Hi,
I have a three month old puppy and I put him in the crate when I'm in school during the day, no longer than three hours at a time, but he poops in it. I'm guessing because he is eliminating what he had for breakfast. The crate is the type made of two plastic pieces that come together. I have been putting jumpstart training pads to help soak up the urine and possibly contain the poop. However, I started thinking maybe that's not a good idea, because those pads are especially scented so that dogs want to eliminate when they smell them. Should I stop using them? If so, what can I use instead? I'm also concerned about his comfort but anything I put in there will get pooped and urinated on and I don't have a clothes washer (only coin laundry). Please help!
Mary

Yes, stop using them inside the crate. The object of crate training is to get them to hold it while in the confinement and then immediately after they have been let out of the crate they go directly outside or to their elimination point. I think you are correct in wanting to soak it up, but maybe use a towel or something that you can easily wash out.

Msme is right. However, if your 3 month old is eliminating in the crate like that, it means he's been in there longer than he can handle. Even 3 hours is a very long time for a tiny pup. I would recommend you keep him in a small, puppy proofed room instead with pee pads if you're going to be out that long. The puppy should always be walked 15 minutes after eating, too. Some pups will need a longer gap between eating and eliminating. Pee pads are fantastic for use in the home. Our 4 month old does his business both outside and on pee pads inside. Don't put the pee pads in the crate. Whatever you do, you don't want the pup to get used to eliminating in the crate or ever sitting around in his pee/poop. Most puppies can't begin to hold their business properly (speaking physiologically) until around 4 months of age. Make sure to use special cleansers (get it from your pet store) inside the crate to eliminate all traces of previous accidents. Remember not to clean anything with ammonia as it will encourage urination in undesirable places.

Wow those are great suggestions. Perhaps I will put him in the bathroom and clear out the rugs and the tp, and leave him the pee pad, his bed, and food and water. Unfortunately I cannot be back to check on him any less than three hours. I have to put food on his table!

That sounds like a much better option! Great! Keep the food and water on the other side of the bathroom away from the pee pad(s). Three hours is just fine in the bathroom with a pee pad. It might take a little practice, but he'll be pee padding like a pro soon enough. Oh, and leave him some safe chew toys to keep him occupied.

How large is the crate?

I would recommend getting up and feeding the puppy earlier, so about 45minutes to an hour later you can take the pup outside to eliminate, another chance to praise the pup for properly disposing of it's waste. Win/Win.